Guillotine knife-improved values for hydraulic clamp



Nov. 13, 1951 F. w. SEYBOLD ETAL GUILLOTINE KNIFE-IMPROVED VALUES FORHYDRAULIC CLAMPS 14 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 9. 1949 INVENTORSFREDERICK W. SEYBOLD ATTORNEYS 'bI-AS HERMAN BY W MM.

Nov. 13, 1951 F. w. sEYBoLp ETAL 2,574,501

GUILLOTINE xmmqupnovso VALUES FOR HYDRAULIC cums Filed Sept. 9. 1949 14Sheats-Sheed 2 VALVE VALVE ESSURE REGLLATOR RESERVOIR TANK,

INVENTORS FREDERICK VV. SEY

NICHOLAS HERMAN ATTO R N EYS Nov. 13, 1951 F. w. SEYBOLD ETAL GUILLOTINEKNIFE-IMPROVED VALUES FOR HYDRAULIC CLAMPS 14 Sheets-Sheet 15 FiledSept. 9. 1949 I a I l I I l I l INVENTORS F'HEDERlCK VV. SEYBOLD NW5HERMAN BY (QM Jy(%6% I ATTORNEYS l l'llnl'lll Nov. 13, 1951 F. w.SEYBOLD ETAL GUILLOTINE KNIFE-IMPROVED VALUES FOR HYDRAULIC CLAMPS 1ASheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 9, 1949 Nov. 13, 1951 F. w. SEYBOLD ETALGUILLOTINE KNIFE-IMPROVED VALUES FOR HYDRAULIQCLAMPS Filed Sept. 9. 194914 Sheets-Sheet 5 :4 a W mw o Nichol-AS HERMAN lllV-lllll Nov. 13, 1951F. w. SEYBOLD ETAL GUILLOTINE KNIFE-IMPROVED VALUES FOR HYDRAULIC CLAMPS14 Sheets-Sheet 7 F1106 Sept. 9. 1949 INVENTORS FREDEFUCI W SEYBOL-DNICHOLAS HERMAN (9 BY M ATTORNEYS Nov. 13, 1951 F. w. SEYBQLD ETAL2,574,501

GUILLQTINE KNIFE-IMPROVED VALUES FOR HYDRAULIC CLAMPS Filed Sept. 9,1949 14 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTORS FREDERICK w szvaou:

NICWS MAN B Y m/v 9 ATTORNEYS Nov. 13, 1951 F. w. SEIYBQLD ETALGUILLOTINE KNIFE-IIIPROVED VALUES FOR HYDRAULIC CLAMPS 14 Sheets-Sheet 9Filed Sept. 9. 1949 INVENTORS F coEmcK w. ssvaou: NOCHOLAS HERMAN- W mATTORNEYS 1951 F. w. SEYBOLD EI'AL 2,574,501

GUILLOTINE KNIFE-IMPROVED VALUES FOR HYDRAULIC CLAMPS Filed Sept. 9.1949 14 Sheets-Sheet l1 INVENTORS FREDEFGCK W. SEYBOLD N'icHoLAs HERMANATTORNEYS Nov. 13, 1951 F. yv. SEYBOLD EIAL GUILLOTINE KNIFE-IMPROVED.VALUES FOR HYDRAULIC CLAMPS Filed' Sept. 9. 1949 14 Sheets-Sheet 12INVENTORS FREDERICK VV. SEYB OLD NlCl-QOLAS HERMAN ATTORNEYS Nov. 13,1951 F. w. SEYBOLD ETAL GUILLOTINE KNIFE-IHPROVED VALUES FOR HYDRAULICCLAMPS l4 Sheets-Sheet 13 Filed Sept. 9. 1949 J a 7 Q Q w ll? Nov. 13,1951 F. w. SEYBOLD ETAL 7 2,574,501 ,cumoms KNIFE-IMPROVED VALUES FORmomuuc cuups 14 Shoet-Sheet 14- Filed Sept. 9, 1949 m ix s & M N II HATTORNEY-S PATENT poratinnof New York The present invention applicationSerial No.- 45.285. flied Au 20. 1948. and relates to guiliotin'e'typepaper cutters and more particularly to hydraulicallyoperated clampingmeans therefor.

Essentially. the invention contemplates connecting the knife drivinmeans to the clamp through a telescoping fluid-filled cylinder andcontrolling the fluid in the cylinder so that hydraulically multipliedclamping force is obtained during the cutting stroke while neverthelessthe clamp may be moved down by gravity and without hydraulic pressureduring operations preceding the cutting stroke.

An object of the invention is the provision of a novel guillotine-typeknife and associated hydraulically operated clamping mechanism.

Another object of the invention is the provision of hydraulic clampoperating. means whereby a telescoping connection between the knifedrive mechanism and the clamp is controlled by admis sion of hydraulicfluid under pressure to one side or the otherof the tube. v

Another object is the provision of ahydraulic connection between theknife drivin member and the driven member of the clamp comprising aclosed tube on one of the members with suitable posts at each end and apiston slidable in the tube and connected to the other member whereinadmission of fluid under pressure on one side or the other of the pistoncontrols the operation of the clamp.

The primary object of the present invention is the provision of a novelhydraulic system wherein the accumulator is housed in the reservoir, thevalve mechanism is simplified and external piping is reduced.

The foregoing and many other objects of the invention will becomeapparent in the following description and drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of our novel machine taken beneath theknife and clamp.

.Figure 2 is a top plan view of the machine taken beneath the knife andclamp.

Figure 3 is a side elevation of the machine omitting the knife andclampeiements. 1

Figure 4 is a schematic viewof the electrical valve operating circuit.

is an improvement of Figure 5 is a schematic view of the hydrauliccircuit when the clamp is up and the machine at rest.

Figurefiliisaviewco tol igureo showing the condition when the operatordepressesthetreadletobringtheclampdownand the machine is still at rest.1

w to connect fly wheel M to shaft I! at the ning of a cycle and todisconnect fly' wheel ll mam vshm s I .---";-."IFOYRI-KYDBAUIJG OLAHPviii-seems. weitiieiii. iv. 1.,

Lawson Co. Inc New York, N.Y., a cor- N. Y., assignors to tees, 1m,Serial No. 11am a claims. (01. 184-41) Figure 53 corresponds toFigure 5showing the pressure prevailing during the descent of the knife.

Figure 5c is a chart tabulating the operation of the valve in Figure 5Dis a schematic fragmentary-view showing another position of one of thevalves.

Figure oisarear view oftheknifemechanism with a portion of the housingremoved showing the driving means for the knife blade and theinterconnection of this driving means with the drive for the clamp butomitting portions of the clamp driving mechanism. I

Figure 7 is a front view of our novel machine showing the combined drivein for the clamp and knife blade.

Figure 8 is a schematic fragmentary view taken from the front of ournovel mechanism showing the clamp operating elements lifted out of thestructureof Figure 'l.

Figure 9 is a schematic view of the clamp driving elements of Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a front view of the knife driving elements lifted out ofthe combined view of Figme -'I.

Figure 11 is a schematic view of the elements of Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a detailed view in perspective of the drive for the knifeof our novel cutting machine.

Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional view through the valve operatorand its solenoid.

Figure 14 is a schematic view of the valve.

Referring first to Figure 6 which is a rear view showing primarily theknife driving elements of our novel device, the motor it through itspulley ii and belts i2 drives the pulley II which is integral with thefly wheel I. Fly wheel ll rotates freely on the main drive shaft it (seealso Figure 7 12) of the machine. The drive shaft i5 is provided withclutch and brake elements as well as with overload protective elementsof the type shown in application Serial No. 673,289 filed January 31,1946, now Patent No. 2,570,878, issued October. 9,. 1951.

The specific clutch and brake elements used. as well as the speciflcoverload protective elements used. form no part of the present inventionand, therefore, require no speciflc description here. The clutch andbrake elements serve. however.

beginfrom shaft It at the end of a cycle.

It should be understood, however, that the machine is so constructedthat it will cycle once in responsetoacontrolsetbytheoperator andwilihalt until a recycling operation is desired so thattheknifeandclampwilldescendonceanklrise again for each cycle ofoperation.

Gear I on shaft I5 meshes with gear I1 (Figure 12) on sleeve I52.rotatably mounted on shaft I5, carried in bearing I5I on plate I52.Sleeve I52 carries gear I52 which meshes with planetary gear I55 mountedon stud I55 on plate I52. Planetary gear I54 meshes with internal gearI55 carried by knife drive shaft I5. When shaft I5 is' rotated, its gearI5 drives gear I1 on sleeve I52, driving gear I52 on sleeve I55 andthrough gear I55 drives gear I55 on shaft is to drive the knife andclamp in the manner hereinafter described. Where resistance isencountered by the knife, gear I55 on its stud I55 causes the plate I52to rotate around sleeve I55 against thecompressing of spring I51. Thisoperation is also described in application Serial No. 673,289 filedJanuary 31, 1948, now Patent No. 2,570,873.

The knife drive shaft I2 carries at the forward end thereof the crank 25which is pivotally connected at the crank pin 2I to the knife draw bar22, the length of which may be made adjustable in any suitable manner,as by the threaded connection at I55 (Figure The upper end of the knifedraw bar 22 is pivotally connected by the pin 22 in the clevis at theright end of .theknifebar25withrespecttoFigures7and 10. Thus, a singlerotational cycle of the knife drive shaft I5 will rotate the crank 25 topull the draw bar 22 down, therefore, pulling down the right-hand end ofthe knife bar 25, and then will raise the bar 22 to force the right-handend of the knife bar up.

The opposite end 25 of the knife bar is simultaneously pulled down bythe heavy arm 21, the upper end of which is pivotally connected by theeccentric pin 25 in the clevis 25 at the -left-hand end of the knife barwith respect to Figures 7, i0, and 11. Pin 25 (Figure 10) is eccentricand adjustable in knife bar 25 to permit adjustment of arm 21 tocorrespond to the adjustment at I52 at the right sideI Gear I6I on pin25 meshes with worm I52, carried in bracket I52 and having the hexagonalend I54 which may be rotated by a wrench to cause gear iii and pin 25 torotate to vary the adjustment.

Arm 21 rotates counterclockwise with respect to Figures 7 and 11simultaneously with the downward motion of the draw bar 22. The arm 21is then rotated clockwise to raise the left-hand end 25 of the knife bar25 simultaneously with the upward or return stroke of the draw bar 22.

Thus unison of motion is achieved by placing an additional crank 25 atthe rear end of the knife drive shaft I8 which is keyed to the shaft I5.The outer end of crank 25 is pivotally connected by crank pin 25 to theconnecting rod 21 which comprises the parallel bars 25 and 25 connectedand braced by the bracing bars 45 and I at opposite ends. Pin 25 carriesthe bracing bar 55. Bracing bar II at the left side is carried by thepin 42 which is pivotally connected to the end of the lever 55. Lever 55is keyedtotheshaftlltowhichinturntheann 21 is keyed. Therefore, rotationof the knife driving shaft I5 in addition to rotating crank 25 to pulldown the draw bar 22 also rotates crank 25 to pull the compodteconnecting rod 21 totherightwith r pectiol'igures 10 and 11.

This results in pulling-the lower end of lever 55 to the right andresults in counterclockwise rotation of shaft 55 and correspondingcounterclockwise rotation of the arm 21 with respect to down, therebyproducing the proper transverse motion of the knife bar 25 for efficientcutting while the knife drive shaft I5 moves through the firsthalf-cycle: Further rotation thereof causes the bar 22 to be pushed up,pushing up the righthand end of the knife bar 25.

At the same time the e of crank 25 through the second half of the cyclecauses it on continuation of its movement to push the compositeconnecting rod 21 to the left. thereby reversing the operation of shaft55 and causing it and the arm 21 to rotate in a clockwise direction tolift up the left-hand end 25 of the knife bar 25 simultaneously with therise of the righthandendoftheknifebarfl. Theknifebaris thus pushed upsimultaneously atboth ends and swung atthesametimelaterallytotherightduring this rising motion in order to be ready for the next operation.

The clamp operation is shown in Figures 7, 8, ands.nrmuandtheendmemberll ofthe composite connecting rod 21 are pivotallyconnected by pin 52 also to the piston rod of the piston II which inturn is slidable in the cylinder 52. The end of cylinder 52 has anextension 52 which is pivotally connected at to the arm 55 keyed to theshaft 55. Shaft 55 carries the lever 51 keyed thereto. Lever 51 ispivotally connected by pin 52 to the connecting link 52. Link 55 ispivotally connected by pin 55 to the bell crank lever H which is free torotate on the shaft 52 secured in the frame of the machine.

The opposite end of lever H is connected by pin 52 to the pull down link55 which is pivotally connected at 55 to the right-hand end of clamp 55(with respect to Figures 7, 8 and 9). The connection at 55 to the clamp55 and the connection at the opposite end of the clamp hereinafterdescribed may take any form which may be desired such as the adjustableconnection described in my aforementioned application Serial No. 673,289filed January 31, 1946, now Patent No. 2,570,873.

The clamp as well as the knife bar may also have the specificconstruction described in the aforementioned patent and may slide inchannels and guides of the specific shape and formation thereindescribed. Such specific guide means and such specific connectionsrequire no further description here since they form no part of thepresent invention.

Bell crank lever 5| has 8. depending arm 15 and its lower end isconnected by pin II to the connecting link 12 which in 1mm is connectedby pin 12 to the bell crank 15. Bell crank 15 is provided with the bore15 which is a loose rotatable fit around the shaft 55.

The upper end 15 of bell crank 15 is connectedbypin 11tothepulldownbar12whichin turn is pivotally connected at 15 to the left-hand end of clamp55.

when new the knife bar 25 is drawn down so that the connecting rod 21and the lower end of arm 54 is moved to the right with respect toFigures 7, 8 and 9, pin 42 isforced to the right. pushing the piston rod55 to the right with respect to these figures.

Assumingforthetimebeingthatpistonrod 52, piston 5|. cylinder 52 andcylinder extension If are a single solid unit, the movement of pistonlower the pin is thereof. This nuns down the pull bar ll. pulling downthe right-hand end of I the clamp 68.

The counterclockwise rotation of bell crank lever ti causes the arm IIto rotate similarly moving the pin Ii and the connecting link If to theright and causing the bell crank lever It-ll to rotate counterclockwise,thereby pulling down pin II, pull bar 18, and therefore pulling down theleft-hand end of the clamp I together with the right-hand end.

On a reversal of movement of arm 44 so that the lower end thereof moveto the left in the manner previously described in connection with theoperation of the knife bar, and again treating the hydraulic element80-5l-i2-l3 as a single solid connection, the operation of arm 55 andlever II, link it, lever ti and pull bar 64 is reversed to raise theright-hand end of clamp 86: the arm II has its lower end rotated to theleft pushing the connecting link 12 to the left, rotating the bell cranklever I4-I6 clockwise and pushing up the pull bar I f and the left-handside of the clamp.

Thus during a single cycle of operation of the knife a lowering of theknife is accompanied by a lowering of the clamp and a raising of theknife is accompanied by a raising of the clamp. The

elements are arranged and timed so that the clamp engages the papersurface before the knife enters the paper and leaves the paper surfaceafter the knife has risen above it.

The elements must also be so arranged that the clamp may be caused todescend independently of the knife. That is the principal reason why thebell crank lever ll-I6 is a rotatable fit around the shaft 45 and is notkeyed thereto.

Bell crank lever I4'I6 may as readily be ro-- tatable on another pivotbut for convenience in constructing the mechanism, it has been mountedfor rotation around shaft 45.

The connection 43--50--5i--52-53-54 from the knife operating mechanismto the clamp in for controlling the clamping pressure.

This is accomplished by the valve controls of the hydraulic system shownin Figures 1 to 4 and' especially the schematic views of Figures 5, 5Aand 5B.

In addition to the housing of the accumulator in the reservoir whicheliminates a substantial amount of external piping the utilization of asub-base mounting for my four way valve, the pressure adjusting valveand the check valve further reduces the external piping to a minimum.

In front of the machine Figures 1 to 3 there is located a foot treadle"0 which is fixed to brackets Ill. These brackets are secured to theshaft Iii. This shaft IN is pivotally journalied in the bracket II!which is fastened to the column of the machine. 0n the right-hand sideshaft III is supported in the bracket I03. On the shaft Iii a lever INis secured and to this lever is connected the-end of cable 105. Thiscable passes over a pulley IN supported on a stud II'I fastened in thebracket 108a which is also secured to the column of the machine. a

Cable It! then passes horizontally to the rear of the machine to thepulley Ill which is turning on the stud IN, the latter being secured tothe top cover of the reservoir tank (hereinafter described).

Thence, the cable III is connected to the pin I iii on the lever I iiwhich is pivoted on the stud III, the latter being fastened also to thetop cover of the reservoir tank. A spring H8 is also pivoted on the pin"tend the other end of the spring is connected tothe anchor I ll.

The function of this spring is to return the treadle again to itsuppermost position after it has been depressed and the foot pressure hasbeen released.

The other arm of lever Iii is connected to a push pin Iii whichpassesthrough a .bracket I it. This push .pin makes contact with the plungerof the solenoid III which operates the four-way valve lit. (The functionof which is hereinafter described in connection with Figures 5, 5A and5B.)

Therefore, the manual operation of the foot treadle through the levercable connection pushes on the plunger of the solenoid and mechanicallyshifts the valve I ll.

In this manner, the operator has complete control over the descent orascent of the clamp. This is to be preferred because if the valve Illwere operated entirely electrically as soon as electric contact orcircuit has been made the clamp then would descend very rapidly possiblyorder to operate the clamp in synchronism with h resulting in injury tothe operator's hands. With this construction the operator has a certainamount of "feel" whereby by releasing his foot a slight amount the clampwill go up again thereby retaining perfect control over the clamp.

The operator has the choice of bringing down the clamp by foot pressureon the treadle or of operating the starting handle 2" in the mannerdescribed in my prior application above mentioned to operate the knifeblade which will close an electrical circuit to energize the solenoid tobring down the clamp.

The four-way valve I." is represented by the ports 13. Al, A2 and ConFigures 5, 5A and 58 (Figures 13 and 14). The pressure adjusting valve Gas shown in Figures 5, 5A and 5B and mounted on the sub-base shown inFigure 2 is provided with an adjustment knob I which is accessible fromthe front of the machine.

Since this valve is located in the rear of the machine. it is importantthat the pressure can be regulated and adjusted conveniently by theoperator.

The adjusting mechanism for valve G includes the adjusting stem II.connected to the valve G. A bevel gear Ill is attached to stem I II. Asimi' lar bevel gear III meshes therewith. and a vertical shaft 122 issupported in brackets If! and I24. At the end of shaft If! another bevelgear is fastened which meshes with the bevel sear m which meshes with asimilar bevel gear It! fastened to a long horizontal shaft I21. Thisshaft passes over the top of the column of the machine and undemeath thetable where it is of the machine.-

On the-end of this shaft is fastened the knob III so that the shaft canbe conveniently turned in either direction. When the correct adjustmenthas been attained, the shaft is locked by means of nut I". This nut isthreaded and flts on threads on the shaft 121 and thereby can besecurely locked in this position. a

A reservoir tank-8i is provided having a filler opening 94 which may beplugged. An accumulater or high pressure tank 82 is housed within thereservoir. Accumulator 82 has a piston 83 to which pressure is appliedby compression spring ll. Oil at reservoir pressure may enter the rear 4of piston 83 through opening I. A pressure relief groove ll is providedwhich is uncovered when piston 83 is forced back too far by excessivepressure to permit the-oil under excess pressuretoescape back intoreservoir". Chamber iii of accumulator 82 on the right side of piston 83is the high pressure chamber.

Pipe Ill leads to the three way valve E. Three way valve E is normallyin the position shown in Figures 5, 5A and 53 where it connects pipe lidwith pipe iii.

When three-way valve is turned to the position of Figure 5D itconncctsthe pipe ill with outlet I02 into the reservoir to relieve the pressurein chamber U2. It mayalso be turned 180 from the position of Figure 5Dto relieve pressure from pipe ili into the reservoir.

Pump I is provided connected by pipe i and fllter it! on the intake sideto the reservoir and pipe I" to pipes ill and ill on the outputor'preesure. side sothat pressure may be built up when the machine isinitially placed in operation or after a period of idleness.

In Figures 6, 5A and 5B, the pressure fluid is shown with verticalhatching and the atmospheric or no pressure fluid is shown with crosshatching.

Reference should also be made to the chart of Figure 5C. To maintain theclamp up. valve Ai and B are opened and valves A! and C are closed.Fluid under accumulater pressure flows through pipe "I and check valve1'' to pipes ill. ill. 0. Pipe i8! is blocked by the closing of valve C.The pressure fluid goes through pipe ill and open valve 8 into pipe I,tube x and pipe iii.

' supported in bracket in fastened to the column H drives the piston iifurther to the right increasing the pressure to clamping pressure(horizontal hatch lines). Check valve F prevents reverse flow.up pipeill. Pressure relief valve G permits the excess pressure to drain backtoward the reservoir throughpipe I". The adjustmentofthe opening ofrelief valve 6 (above described) determines the rate of equalization ofpressure onboth sides of valve G and determines the clamping pressure.

When the clamp is in the fully clamped position of Figure 53, checkvalve F, by permitting accumulator pressure to enter the pipe K when.-ever the pressure therein drops below accumulator pressure. preventsrelease of all pressure on the clamp through relief valve G.

As seen in Figure 3. the accumulator is completely housed in reservoir82 and the 'valve block I50 containing all valves. is mounted on the 20reservoir eliminating all external piping except the flexibleconnections X and'K. 1

when the operator depresses lever lll'shaft ill .(see 3) as in. theabove mentioned application moves to the right 'and clutch in isconnected to theflywheel ll. When shaft ill is in the disengagedposition, the head of cap screw It; depresses the operator 2 of thenormally closed limit switch 2" whereby the solenoid III. which operatesthe four-way valve lit isin-thede-energized condition (see alsoPigure4). Upon movement of shaft fill to the right. switch 2 will close andenergize the coil ill of relay 2 whereby solenoid H1 is energized andshifts the openings of the four way valve from-thepositionofrigureotothepositionsofl ig urea 5A and 5B.

In order to permit stopping of the cutting knife Pipe H3 is blocked byclosed valve A2. Pipe X communicates with the upper side of cylinder IIcreating pressure between the left face of piston II and the left wallof cylinder 52 and pushing the cylinder to the left. This pulls on rodII i crank arm II to hold the clamp up.

when the piston II is operated by rod 0 from crank arm' 44 valves A2 andC are opened and valves Al and B are closed.

Piston Ii moving to the right compresses th fluid to the right forcingcylinder 52 tothe richt andpushing crank '85 to' the right to lower thecrank.

Valve C connects pipe iii! and check valve F with pipe K leading to theright side of the cylinder l2. Valve A2 connecting the left side of thecylinder to the reservoir is open reducing the pressure in the left sideof the cylinder. Valve B closes the by-pass connection from the rightside of the cylinder through valves B and C to the left side. Theaccumulator pressure from check valve F and open valve C starts the clinder and clamp down ahead of the knife. As the clamp strikes the paperstack. it is halted but the continued movement of knife and of crank 45ing pressure, a second switch 220 is provided which she has normallyclosed contacts so that 'upon closing of the contacts l--! of the switchIII, the coil lit becomes energised and closes the three contacts of therelay iii whereby the solenoid Ii! becomes energized. The function ofswitch 22 is to provide is maintaining circuit to permit the opening ofthe contacts i--! of the switch 208 without de-energizing the coil 2 IIand also the solenoid iii. In this manner it is possible to disengagethe clutch 202 of the machine and bring it to rest without releasing theclampin: pressure.

Cam 2!. which is and after it is rotated slightly more than threefourthsof a revolution. itsouter periphery will depress the operator 2! of thesecond switch 228 whereby the electric circuit to solenoid III isinterrupted and the valves 3, Al. Al and C are returned to the positionshown in Figure 5. Near the end of the cycle; shaft III will move againto the left and cap screw '2 will again open switch 205 shifting thevalves back to the position of Figure 5 to produce upward motion of theclamp. The circuit arrangement is clearly seenfastened to crank as,rotatesasveisoi "a We claim:

a 1. Reciprocating sheet cutting mechanism comprising a'verticallyreciprocating knife; -driv- 7 ing members therefor and a verticallyreciprocating clamp member; means connected between the knife drivingmembers and the clamp for driving the clamp; said means including afluid filled coupling between-the knife driving members and 'the clamp,the elements of the fluid filled coupling being movable with respect toeach other independently of the movement of the knife driving membersandcontrol apparatus for the elements of the fluid filledcoupling; saidcontrol apparatus being operable independently of the knife driving'means to operate the'clamp; a, solenoid having a coil and an armature, aconnection between said armature and said conhqol apparatus; meansoperable by the knife driving members for controlling the energizationand deenergization of said solenoid coil 2. Reciprocating sheet cuttimechanism comprising a vertically reciprocating knife; driv-. ingmembers therefor and a vertically reciprocating clamp member; meansconnected between the knife driving members and the clamp fordriving'the clamp; said means including a fluid filled coupling betweenthe knife driving memhers and the clamp, the elements of the'fiuidfilled coupling being movable with respect to each other independentlyof the movement of the knife driving members and control apparatus forthe elements of the fluid filled coupling; said control apparatus beingoperable independently of the knife driving means to operate the clamp;

- a solenoid having a coil and an armature, a

connection between said armature and said con- 1 trol apparatus; meansoperable by the knife the clamp, the elements of the fluid filledcoupling being movable. with respect to each other independently of themovement of the knife driving members and control apparatus for theelements of the fluid filled coupling; said control apparatus beingoperable independently of the knife driving means to operate the clamp;a solenoid having a coil and an armature, a connection between saidarmature and said control apparatus;

means operable by the knife driving members for controlling theenergization and de-energization of said solenoid coil. and a leverindependently operable and connected to said-control apparatus foroperating the same while the solenoid coil remains de-energized; a foottreadle; a connection between said foot treadie and said lever.

4. Clamping mechanism comprising a reciprocating clamp movable in onedirection to clamp-- ing position and movable in an opposite directionto released position; a drivin member and a driven member connected tothe clamp; said driving member comprising apiston; said driven membercomprising a cylinder; said piston being reciprocal in said cylinder anddividing said cylinder into a first driving chamber for movement of theclamp in the clamping direction and a second a 10 driving chamber formovement of the clamp in the releasing direction; a fluid supply and asource of fluid under pressure; control means for admitting fluid fromthe source r fluid under pressure to one chamber and simultaneouslyopening the other chamber-to the fluid supply;

said sourceof fluid under pressure comprising an accumulator chamber;and said fluid supply comprising a reservoir chamber; said accumulatorchamber being housed within said reservoir chamber.

5. Clamping mechanism comprising a reciprocating clamp movable in onedirection to clamping position and movable in an opposite direction toreleased position; a driving member and a driven member connected to theclamp; said driving member comprising a piston; said driven membercomprising a cylinder; Y said piston being reciprocal in said cylinderand dividing said cyl-f inder into a first driving chamber for movementof the clamp in the clamping direction and a second driving chamber formovement of the clamp in the releasing direction; a fluid supply and asource of fluid under pressure; control a means for admitting fluid fromthe source of fluid under pressure to one chamber and simultaneouslyopening the other chamber to the fluid supply; said source of fluidunder pressure comprising an accumulator chamber; and said fluid sup plycomprising a reservoir chamber; said accumulator chamberbeing housedwithin said reservoir chamber; said control means being mounted. on saidreservoir chamber.

6. Clamping mechanism comprising a reciprocating clamp movable'in onedirection to clamping position and movable in an opposite directiontoreleased position; a driving member and a.

driven member connected to the clamp; said driv- .ing member comprisinga piston; said driven membercomprising a cylinder; said piston beingreciprocal in'said cylinder and dividing said cylinder into a firstdriving chamber for movement of the clamp in the clamping direction anda second drivingchamber for movement of the clamp in the releasingdirection; a fluid supply and a v source of fluid under pressure;control means for admitting fluid from the source of fluid underpressure to one chamber and simultaneously opening the other chamber tothe fluid supply; said source of fluid under pressure comprising anaccumulator chamber; and said fluid supply comprising a reservoirchamber; said accumulator chamber being housed within said reservoirchamber; said control means comprising a plurality of valves:connections between said valves and said accumulator and reservoirchambers; a

block mounted on said reservoir chamber containing said valves and saidconnections.

"I. Clamping mechanism comprising a reciprocating clamp movable in onedirection to clamping position and movable in an opposite direction toreleased position; a driving member and a 4 driven member connected tothe clamp; said driving member comprising a piston; said driven membercomprising a cylinder; said piston being reciprocal in said cylinder anddividing said cylinder into a first driving chamber for movement of theclamp in the clamping direction and a second driving chamber formovement of the clamp in the releasing direction; a fluid supply and asource of fluid under pressure; control means for admitting fluid fromthe source of fluid under pressure to one chamber and simultaneouslyopening the other chamber to the fluid supply; said source of fluidunder pressure comprisl1 ing an accumulator chamber; and said fluidsupply comprising a reservoir chamber; said accuvalves and saidaccumulator and reservoir chambers; a block mounted on said reservoirchamber containing said valves and said connections. and additionalconnections between said valves and said cylinder chambers.

8. Reciprocating sheet cutting mechanism comprising a verticallyreciprocating knife;.driv-' ing members therefor and a verticallyreciprocating clamp member; means connected between the knife drivingmembers and the clamp for driving the clamp; said means including afluid filled coupling between the knife driving members and the clamp,.the elements of the fluid filled coupl being movable with respect toeach other independentlyof the movement of the knife driving members andcontrol apparatus for the elements of the fluid filled coupling: saidcontrol apparatus being operableindependently of the knife driving meansto operate the clamp;- means for operating said control anl' f tuselectrically; a switch connected in said operating means; apparatus forclosing said switch on inimembers tiationof the action of the knifedriving toenergisesaidmeans.

. 1 2 p 9. Reciprocating sheet cutting mechanism comprising a verticallyreciprocating knife; driving members therefor and a verticallyreciprocating'clamp member; means connected between the knife drivingmembers and the clamp for drivingthe clamm'said means including a fluidiilled coupling between the knife driving. members and the clamp, theelements ,of the fluid filled coupling being movable with respect toeach other independently of the-movement of the knife drivingmembers andcontrol apparatus for the elements of the fluid filled coupling; saidcontrol apparatus being operable independently of the knife drivingmeans to operate the clamp; means for operating said control apparatuselectrically;

a switch connected in said operating means; apparatus for closing saidswitch on initiation'of the action oftheknife driving members to snargizejsaid means; a second switch connected in" said operating means formaintaining giaation thereof when said first switch is opened at anintermediate portion ofthe cycle; apparaatusforopenlngsaidsecondswitchneartbecompletion of a cycle of said knifedriving members.

No cited.

